Senate Committee Summons Briefing on Crypto Regulation and Launch of Pakistan’s First Generative AI Tool ‘Zehanat AI’

Islamabad:The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has formally requested a comprehensive briefing from the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT) on two key developments: the formation of a regulatory council for cryptocurrency and the recent announcement regarding Pakistan’s first indigenous generative AI tool, *Zehanat AI*.

According to a notification from the Senate Secretariat, the committee meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, is scheduled for **May 7, 2025**, in Islamabad. The agenda includes a review of major digital policy issues, with a significant focus on the disputed launch of *Zehanat AI*. While the IT Minister had publicly announced the tool, the CEO of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) later denied its official rollout, raising questions about transparency within the ministry.

The committee aims to seek clarification on this matter and evaluate the role of MoITT in ensuring responsible and accurate communication regarding technological advancements.

Also on the agenda is the much-anticipated **Artificial Intelligence Regulation Bill, 2024**, originally tabled by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan in September 2023. The bill is designed to establish a legal and ethical framework to govern the deployment and development of AI technologies in Pakistan.

Officials from the MoITT and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have also been summoned to brief the committee on the renewal of Long Distance International (LDI) and Fixed Local Loop (FLL) licenses, critical to the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

In addition, the committee will review the implementation status of the recently passed **Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025** and seek updates on Pakistan’s participation in the **Digital Development Investment Forum (DDIF)**—specifically efforts to enhance global linkages for local software firms.

The meeting underscores the Senate’s growing focus on regulating emerging technologies and fostering a secure and progressive digital ecosystem in the country.

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